Guildford Association Inc

Warm congratulations to long time Guildford Association member Emeritus Professor David Blair, who received an Order of Australia for his distinguished services to physics precision measurement science, gravitational wave research and scientific education in today's Kings Honours List . David has been a highly valued member of our community for many many years, with a number of big campaigns under his belt. Well done David, stunning achievements over many years.

UPDATE on Hazelmere Data Centre Proposal

This development is set for determination by the Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel (MODAP) on Tuesday 19 May 2026 commencing 9.30am at the City of Swan Council Chambers at Midland Town Hall, with public seating being restricted to 60 people.

As many of you know, this and similar applications are no longer determined by elected councillors – despite the fact we purportedly live in a representative democracy – and the local response is formally provided by the Manager of Statutory Planning at City of Swan. His Responsible Authority Report (RAR) was released on Friday. A link to the full document can be found at;

https://www.planning.wa.gov.au/docs/default-source/daps/agenda---no-141---city-of-swan.pdf?sfvrsn=d3b6d18e_1

Some of the significant issues raised include;

1. 1829 submissions of objection were lodged, the highest ever received by C of S.

2. The RAR recommends refusal of the application, however, this is limited to refusal on the grounds of unacceptable adverse impact of high and constant noise from power generators on site. The C of S was either unpersuaded by, or as it acknowledged in some areas, unable to competently address some concerns raised by the proposal.

While the recommendation of refusal is welcomed, its limit to noise may well be something the applicant can purport to overcome, so we cannot be confident DAP or an appeal would support the refusal.

3. The glaring issue is power demand and the installation of 88 diesel generators (with fuel storage and delivery frequency etc unresolved) with the applicant asserting “power outages resulting in reliance on generators being rare” and “its intention to contemplate a new substation on site in the future” and “it may attempt to purchase renewable sources of power namely wind and solar”.

A lot of wing and prayer in those suggestions of mitigation!

4. Given the Federal and State Governments’ commitment to a reduction in carbon emissions, and fast tracking renewables to meet sustainability targets, it is incomprehensible that you would approve a new development inherently contradictory to those objectives.

5. Impact on the environment/wildlife/the river remains largely unchallenged, and potential bushfire risks largely managed by reduction of vegetation is at odds with Perth’s desperate need to restore canopy cover to the metropolitan area.

6. The applicant asserts this “State of the Art IT facility” will provide significant local benefit, jobs, and make us “…an attractive and accommodating destination for investment”. Frankly it could be sited anywhere in the world and do that: (with a guaranteed power supply) – that’s the nature of the Cloud. This necessary facility should be sited on already cleared land, large enough to supply its own renewable energy sources – given its expected life of some 50 years it would be madness to approve something reliant on diesel generators, or on site electricity sub-stations in the future.

Finally, congratulations to the community for such committed action to reject this proposal alongside a school, a river and on land of heritage significance to First Nations Peoples.

The DAP hearing does permit deputations of up to 3 minutes per person and we would urge you to consider having your say on whatever part of the proposal you wish to comment on. The DAP deputation form needs to be completed and lodged by 16 May 2026 – and can be just dot points. The form can be found a -

https://www.planning.wa.gov.au/docs/default-source/daps-docs-website/deputation-request-form.docx?sfvrsn=35918ddd_46

- and should be emailed to DAP at [email protected]

Your attendance at the hearing would be really valued.

Christine Hughes
Chairperson